Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Introduction

Imagine walking into your grandmother’s kitchen, the aroma of warm spices and vanilla filling the air. The comforting sight of a warm, delicious bread pudding awaits you on the table. This recipe for Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce will transport you back in time and give you a taste of nostalgia. Perfect for any occasion, this dessert will surely become a family favorite.

Ingredients

For the Bread Pudding:

– 8 cups of stale bread, torn into small pieces
– 4 cups of whole milk
– 1 cup of granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 cup of raisins (optional)

For the Vanilla Sauce:

– 1 cup of heavy cream
– 1/2 cup of whole milk
– 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Steps

Step 1: Preparing the Bread Pudding

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the torn bread pieces and milk. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the milk.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. Pour the egg mixture over the soaked bread and gently stir until well combined. If desired, add the raisins and mix them in.
5. Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish and spread it evenly.

Step 2: Baking the Bread Pudding

1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set.
2. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Step 3: Preparing the Vanilla Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, sugar, and cornstarch. Whisk until the sugar and cornstarch are fully dissolved.
2. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let it cool slightly.

Step 4: Serving

1. Cut the bread pudding into squares or scoop it into individual serving bowls.
2. Drizzle the warm vanilla sauce generously over the bread pudding.
3. Serve the bread pudding warm and enjoy!

Keto and Low Carb Variations

For those following a keto or low-carb diet, you can make a few substitutions to enjoy a delicious bread pudding without the guilt. Here are some suggestions:

– Replace the bread with almond flour or coconut flour bread. These low-carb alternatives will give you the texture and taste you crave.
– Use a sugar substitute, like erythritol or stevia, instead of granulated sugar. Be sure to check the conversion ratio as it may vary depending on the brand you are using.
– Substitute whole milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk to reduce the carb content.
– Omit the raisins or replace them with chopped nuts or unsweetened shredded coconut for added flavor and texture.

Tips

– Stale bread works best for bread pudding as it absorbs the liquid better. If you don’t have stale bread, you can toast fresh bread in the oven for a few minutes to dry it out slightly.
– Feel free to customize the spices to your liking. Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for a more complex flavor profile.
– Serve the bread pudding warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
– Leftover bread pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Conclusion

Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is a timeless dessert that brings back memories and fills your heart with warmth. The combination of soft, custardy bread pudding and creamy vanilla sauce is simply irresistible. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, this recipe is sure to please.

FAQs

1. Can I use any type of bread for this recipe?

While you can use any bread, it is recommended to use stale bread or bread that is a day old. This helps the bread absorb the milk and flavors better.

2. Can I make this recipe without raisins?

Absolutely! The raisins are optional and can be omitted or substituted with other ingredients like nuts or shredded coconut.

3. Can I make the bread pudding ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the bread pudding in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to reheat it before serving.

4. Can I freeze the bread pudding?

While it is possible to freeze the bread pudding, the texture may change slightly. It is best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making.

5. Can I use a different sauce instead of vanilla sauce?

Certainly! You can serve the bread pudding with caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, or even a dollop of whipped cream.

6. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe if you need to serve more people. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.